For the past month I have received feedback from many who want help with potato growing in Zimbabwe. In fact, from reading the comments I have received, Iam beginning to see some pattern. I took a team of experts to Nyabira to conduct a farm assessment for a farmer I will only refer to as Mr. Potato simply because I had not talked to him about disclosing his name in this article.
A lot of Zimbabweans have recently had an increased interest in growing potatoes. The Potatoes project is a sensitive but rewarding project. It needs the perfect hand to take care of it. If you have been in a potato field you will see that it blooms like a flower and as such treat it like one. I want you to know that the team of experts at ziminvestors.com can help you make your potato project the rewarding farming business it has lately been known for.
To do that, it is essential you tell me what your most burning questions and issues about potato farming are. I’ll make sure that they are included in our potato production manual which is given out freely to our training participants.
Lessons from the farm visit
As I have highlighted in most of my earlier articles, when doing potato farming for the first time, avoid using TPS. I do not have anything against TPS but it is like learning to swim by starting from the deep end. Stick to tubers. Attend a specific TPS training before investing into it. Visit Prime Seed who are amongst the top experts in seed production.
Understand your soil.
You need to understand your soil. One thing we commented Mr. Potato on was he sends some soil samples for testing. This is an important exercise as it helps determine the pH, nutrients and contamination level of your farm. Understanding your soil nutritional values will help project the growth potential and the yield of the farm.
The greatest risk
Most of the greatest risks of potato farming are identified during a farm visit. Some depend on the water source, farm geographical location, surroundings etc. A mere phone call or email will not reveal them. Although hiring the services of a professional Agriculture consultant is considered an expense by most farmers, its effect will be reflected on your bank statement.
Having Fun
It was quite a delight walking around the farm listening to Mr. Potato telling us what he was doing, the challenges he was facing and responding to his technical and general questions. He took us through all the processes and challenges he was facing at the farm. We prepared a comprehensive report which we submitted to him in three days.
He called me on my mobile an hour after I had mailed him expressing his delight at the depth of the content it covered. Mr. Potato promised us that he would definitely engage us in his next farming expeditions.
To your continued Success
i would like to get information and inputs as i need to start potatoe farming though on a small scale (1 hac)
That’s any interesting story high five to Mr potatoe ,l also want to start potatoes farming on a 20hac i think I can use your help .As for the A-Z manual how cn I get hold of it.